Thursday, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Freight, Pipelines, and Safety, convened a subcommittee hearing titled “Grand Theft Cargo: Examining a Costly Threat to Consumers to the U.S. Supply Chain.”
The hearing focused on the rise in cargo theft, and specifically on crimes within the supply chain like brokering scams, fraudulent trucking companies, and train robberies by highly organized gangs. The hearing examined potential solutions, including increased coordination and enforcement by federal agencies like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Department of Homeland Security to stop these criminal enterprises.
During his opening remarks, Young highlighted how PFL, a third-party logistics company in Evansville, Indiana, lost a $60,000 shipment when its cargo was stolen by a previously trusted carrier.
“Obviously, that is a devastating loss to a small company, one that is ultimately absorbed by its employees and customers. PFL is one of many companies who have fallen victim to a rising wave of cargo theft across the country and are asking for Congress to partner with their industry to address this threat,” said Young.
Since the COVID pandemic, cargo theft has surged across the country, reaching, by some calculations, a decade-long high. Once carried out by crude criminals, now with the rise of e-commerce, this crime domain includes sophisticated domestic and international groups – from China, Eastern Europe and Mexico.
Young said that cargo theft is difficult to spot and stop because it takes so many forms. Homeland Security Investigations estimates that the annual loss from cargo theft “accounts for $15-35 billion annually.”
Full video of Young’s opening remarks can be viewed here.
Knox County man killed in motorcycle crash
Lawrence County man sentenced to jail
Illinois drivers encouraged to do business online
Meta to pay up to $419M to Indiana, implement sweeping child-safety reforms on Instagram and Facebook
Wabash River crests at Vincennes; still under flood warning
Two new conditions now eligible for treatment with medical cannabis
Gov. Mike Braun orders flags lowered to half-staff in honor of Dolly Parton
Sumner election petitions available
New housing subdivision moving forward in Vincennes
Parkside Elementary will open next week
Restaurant at Red Hill State Park under new ownership
Bridgeport Water boil order lifted
Lawrence County Chamber recognizes Salyers; have begun executive director search
Lawrence County Board hears about data centers and the county jail
Parkside Elementary opening delayed again
Knox County's Clayton Newton earns honors at the Indiana State Fair
Indiana launches emergency program for veterans impacted by historical flooding
Illinois State Police deploy new Bicycle Response Team
